{"id":211579,"date":"2025-05-02T19:48:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-03T02:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/?p=211579"},"modified":"2025-10-31T17:26:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T00:26:51","slug":"patience-in-bloom-why-waiting-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/patience-in-bloom-why-waiting-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"Patience in Bloom: Why Waiting Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The story of a pink rhododendron that took six years to bloom serves as a metaphor for personal growth. Despite consistent care, it initially showed no visible signs of progress. This spring, it burst into beautiful blossoms, prompting reflections on life&#8217;s invisible growth periods. Just as the rhododendron established its roots before blooming, we too can spend long periods working hard without immediate results. This emphasizes that patience and continued effort are essential, as many projects and goals develop quietly beneath the surface. The waiting time is not wasted, and eventually, each person&#8217;s &#8216;moment of blooming&#8217; will arrive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":211591,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">There's a pink rhododendron in our front yard with an interesting story.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">For six years, this plant didn't bloom. Six years of basic care - watering, occasional fertilizer, some pruning. Six years with nothing but green leaves to show for it. We'd pass by it regularly, sometimes wondering if it would ever flower, but mostly just accepting it as part of the landscape.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">Then this spring, something changed.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">The rhododendron bloomed. Not just a few flowers here and there, but a full display of pink blossoms covering the entire plant. It's a nice change, and a few neighbors have even mentioned it. \"I don't remember seeing that before,\" they say, not recognizing the previously plain shrub they'd walked past countless times.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">This made me think about how this relates to our own lives.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">We all experience seasons when we don't seem very productive. Times when we show up consistently, put in the work, and yet see little visible result. We keep at it. We stay patient. And it can feel like nothing is happening.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">These waiting periods can stretch longer than we expect. Six years is a fair amount of time to wait for flowers. In our lives, it might look like:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li class=\"\">Writing consistently before publishing something meaningful<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li class=\"\">Working on business ideas before finding one that succeeds<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li class=\"\">Practicing music before getting recognition<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li class=\"\">Parenting through difficult phases before seeing positive changes<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li class=\"\">Serving in a community before noticing real impact<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">During these quiet times, it's natural to question our path. We wonder if we're doing the right things or if all this effort matters. The lack of visible progress can be discouraging.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">What I'm seeing in my front yard is a good reminder that growth isn't always obvious. Sometimes important development happens beneath the surface. The rhododendron wasn't being uncooperative\u2014it was establishing its root system. Getting ready.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">When the conditions were finally right\u2014the soil, the weather, the plant's maturity\u2014it was prepared to bloom.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">I think many of us are closer to our own moment of blooming than we realize. Many projects, relationships, and goals are developing quietly, getting stronger before they become visible to others.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">This pattern appears throughout history and scripture. Joseph spent years in prison before his leadership emerged. David was chosen as king long before taking the throne. Jesus lived decades in ordinary life before his public ministry began.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">The waiting isn't wasted time. Showing up matters. Being faithful with small, seemingly unnoticed efforts creates the foundation for what comes later.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">So if you're in a season where your work seems to disappear without much effect\u2014where the project remains unfinished, the effort hasn't paid off, or the change hasn't happened\u2014don't be too discouraged.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">Keep showing up. Keep doing what you know is right. Keep caring for what matters.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\">Your moment will come. And when it does, you might be surprised by how quickly things can change after a long period of apparent dormancy.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p class=\"\"><em>What are you patiently working on that hasn't fully bloomed yet? I'd be interested to hear about your experiences in the comments.<\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[31],"tags":[190,58,6],"class_list":["post-211579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-main","tag-growth","tag-leadership","tag-life"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_0827-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1920%2C2560&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pzg9k-T2z","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":210328,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/unlocking-success-investing-in-your-own-growth-and-development\/","url_meta":{"origin":211579,"position":0},"title":"Unlocking Success: Investing in Your Own Growth and Development","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"March 5, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Yesterday, I received an interesting question from one of my leaders in a large team meeting. She asked, \u201cHow much do you spend each year for your own professional development?\u201d I quickly had an amount in my mind but also knew that that number would likely terrify some. The conversation\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Main&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"concrete steps of building with yard decorated with green bushes","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-7045704.jpeg?fit=1200%2C778&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-7045704.jpeg?fit=1200%2C778&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-7045704.jpeg?fit=1200%2C778&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-7045704.jpeg?fit=1200%2C778&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-photo-7045704.jpeg?fit=1200%2C778&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":212598,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/two-types-of-leaders-which-one-are-you-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":211579,"position":1},"title":"Two Types of Leaders: Which One Are You?","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"April 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Main&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"green plants on soil","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ruqhpukrn7c.webp?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ruqhpukrn7c.webp?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ruqhpukrn7c.webp?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ruqhpukrn7c.webp?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ruqhpukrn7c.webp?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":962,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/the-leadership-laboratory\/","url_meta":{"origin":211579,"position":2},"title":"The Leadership Laboratory","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"January 17, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Our leadership lifeGROUP at Living Stones recently began a new series based on a book by Jeff Iog titled\u00a0The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities that Define Great Leaders. I'll be sharing some of my thoughts in the coming weeks based on our series. \u201cIn my twenties, I was determined to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Main&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/laboratory_products.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":211559,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/responding-to-feedback-strategies-for-effective-growth\/","url_meta":{"origin":211579,"position":3},"title":"Responding to Feedback: Strategies for Effective Growth","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"April 17, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Feedback can feel personal and challenging, often seeming like a direct attack on one's identity. However, understanding that feedback reflects behavior and perception, rather than core identity, is crucial. Acknowledging that others\u2019 perceptions can differ from intentions allows an opportunity for growth. It\u2019s essential to approach feedback with humility and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Main&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"man wearing black polo shirt and gray pants sitting on white chair","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-photo-935977.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-photo-935977.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-photo-935977.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-photo-935977.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-photo-935977.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1053,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/leading-is-letting-go\/","url_meta":{"origin":211579,"position":4},"title":"Leading is Letting Go","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"December 22, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Serving in a local church for many years, I was always looking for ways to be a better leader. I was constantly in search of secret clues to uncover the mystery of what makes for a good leader. Now serving in a broader role as coach for churches, I am\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Main&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":210477,"url":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/the-dynamic-duo-why-your-church-needs-both-a-website-and-an-app\/","url_meta":{"origin":211579,"position":5},"title":"The Dynamic Duo: Why Your Church Needs Both a Website and an App","author":"Jon Plotner","date":"May 13, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"In the digital era, churches must utilize both websites and apps to effectively reach and engage their congregations. Websites act as a welcoming front door, providing new visitors with an overview and access to services and information. Apps, conversely, deepen engagement for established church members, offering tailored content and resources\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Main&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Main","link":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/category\/main\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-1.png?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-1.png?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-1.png?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-1.png?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-1.png?fit=1200%2C686&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=211579"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211579\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":211761,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211579\/revisions\/211761"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/211591"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=211579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=211579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jonplotner.com\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=211579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}